Support for the Institution of Marriage

Resolution on Support for the Institution of Marriage adopted by the 129th Supreme Convention on Aug. 4, 2011.

WHEREAS, Marriage is a natural institution based on ancient human values that have evolved over time into a unique and deeply rooted social, legal and religious institution; and

WHEREAS, Marriage reflects the natural biological complementarities between men and women which predates the state and which is woven into the social and religious fabric of every major culture and society; and

WHEREAS, The Catholic Church, based on Scripture and the Judeo-Christian tradition, teaches that marriage is a faithful, exclusive and lifelong union between one man and one woman joined in an intimate partnership of life and love; and

WHEREAS, Marriage provides for the mutual fulfilment of spouses as well as the procreation and education of children; and

WHEREAS, This mutual bond provides the most favourable environment in which to protect the rights and best interests of children; and

WHEREAS, During his apostolic journey to the United States in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI described marriage as an unconditional and unreserved “yes” to love and a “yes” to the aspirations at the heart of our common humanity, and implored us to proclaim boldly the arguments based on faith and reason that marriage is a “life long commitment between a man and a woman that is open to the transmission of life.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That we will never waver in our efforts to promote the Church’s understanding of marriage as the faithful exclusive and lifelong union of one man and one woman joined in an intimate partnership of life and love; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That we will pray that the Holy Spirit enlighten elected officials to adopt laws, and judges to make judicial decisions that affirm the family and the authentic nature of marriage; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That we join with the Bishops of Canada, United States and throughout the world in their efforts to achieve legal and constitutional protection at the national, provincial and local levels for the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.